By Melissa Moody
Dr. Nancy Martin has announced she will step down from her position as senior vice president of Research once a replacement is found. Martin is credited with expanding research programs at the University of Louisville
“Dr. Martin has taken U of L quite a ways concerning research. She has been the number one person in charge of making research grow, and she has done an incredible job,” said Denise Fitzpatrick, director of Media Relations.
Martin informed President James Ramsey in October she would be stepping down from her position in order to “regroup.”
“I have been in this position for 10 years and I’ve enjoyed it so much,” Martin reassured.
Martin received a Ph.D. from Harvard College in 1978 and was working at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1987 when she was recruited to become the Preston Pope Joyes Chair of Biochemical Research at U of L.
Throughout her tenure as vice president, Martin maintained full-time faculty status, conducted research through the departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and recently helped the university secure a $22 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institute of Health, to develop a level-3 biosafety laboratory on Shelby Campus.
A press release said Martin was responsible for “significant expansion of research infrastructure, advocating enhancing education through research, and achieving the Carnegie designation of Research/Extensive university for U of L.” But, Fitzpatrick said, “[Martin] felt it was time to slow down.”
In mid-October, U of L formally announced it had obtained the lab grant that Martin had worked so hard for during her tenure as vice president. The lab is not expected to be up and running until 2008, with construction slated to start in late 2007. The procurement of the grant is not the sole reason Martin decided to step down. However, she said she “did leave to focus on new responsibilities such as the grant.”
Martin will maintain her position until a replacement is found, saying that she “will help with the transition process.” A tremendous plus in this situation, according to Fitzpatrick, is that Martin will aid the university in the process of selecting a new vice president. Martin said she will play an active role in the selection process.
U of L President Dr. James Ramsey was not available for comment.
“We’re looking for a seasoned researcher … a team player who understands the issues,” Martin said.
The administration maintains the replacement will not be easy.
“I feel a sense of loss because she had the utmost integrity. Hers will be big shoes to fill,” Fitzpatrick said.
